This week's featured recipe is provided by Brewery Gulch Inn located in the wonderful coastal town of Mendocino, CA.  Brewery Gulch Inn has the distinction of being a certified organic property.  Executive Chef Charlie Fore uses the organic products from the Inn's garden, combined with organic and natural regional products, to create magnificent breakfasts, hors d'oeuvres, picnic and romance baskets for guests. 

"Wild Mendocino Huckleberry & Ricotta Pancakes".  These light and fluffy pancakes aren't too sweet. The ricotta lends a savory flavor that makes these flapjacks more "adult-like" while still satisfying the kid in your heart!

Wild Mendocino Huckleberry & Ricotta Pancakes

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup mascarpone 
• 4 large eggs, separated yolks and whites
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole huckleberries
• 1-1/2 cups whole milk 
• spray canola oil or butter
• Garnish: maple syrup & powdered sugar 

Whisk yolks together.  Combine yolks, mascarpone and ricotta.

Separately, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda and salt.

Add flour mixture to yolk mixture and mix until just combined.

Add in milk; don’t over mix! Set aside.

Beat egg whites until soft peaks.

Fold whites into batter. Again, don’t over mix or the mixture will collapse too much and the cakes become too dense and heavy. Finally, fold in huckleberries 

Heat griddle over med-low heat. When the griddle has enough residual heat it is time to start the cakes. Test with a tablespoon or so of batter; it should sizzle lightly.

Brush griddle with butter, or spray well with oil.

Ladle 1 cup per cake in a central pile; the pancake will thin itself and expand naturally. (Don’t spread the batter out with a spatula, let gravity do the work.)

Flip pancakes after small bubbles appear over the cake, and the edges start to get a little dry. (About 3 -4 minutes) Continue to cook for 3 minutes on the other side.

Serve with organic dark amber maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar (optional).

Makes about 15 pancakes.

About Brewery Gulch Inn

Brewery Gulch Inn is a romantic bed and breakfast inn situated on a 10-acre sylvan hillside overlooking Smuggler's Cove in Mendocino, CA.  The Inn, built with ancient virgin redwood timbers eco-salvaged from Big River, has a Craftsman-style architecture and décor.  Travelers are offered ocean views, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and private decks combined with luxurious amenities, gourmet organic cuisine, and comfortable, well-appointed rooms.